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What’s on in Derbyshire In October 2023 – For Kids

What’s on in Derbyshire In October 2023 – For Kids

What’s on in Derbyshire In October – We get so many comments from our readers saying that they want one place to find all the event listings in Derbyshire, especially in the school holidays and half terms. So we have gone out and checked what’s on in Derbyshire for kids to do this October for Halloween and the October school holidays in Derbyshire.  We want to be the place all Derbyshire parents come to for latest news on Derbyshire event listings for a great family day out! Read what’s on in Derbyshire in November for kids.

What’s on in Derbyshire In October, For Kids

Its that time of year again as the spice pumpkin lattes hit the cafes and lots of things spooky hit the shelves for Halloween! There are so many exciting events in October happening in Derbyshire for the kids and half term. Please find all the listings of what’s happening in Derbyshire for the kids in the October half term from leisure centres , fun days, live music to the peak district national park to a day at a wildlife park, theme park or family fun day or even Bolsover castle we have you covered. We will constantly be updating the site and should you like any leaflets of events for your venue or wish to add your business listing or community events just let us know abbie@mmbmagazine.co.uk

What’s on in Derbyshire In October 2023 For Kids

As we come into Halloween you know this is going to be filled with plenty of things Halloween and pumpkin orientated in our what’s on in Derbyshire In October list!

👻 Spooktacular Fun in Derbyshire for Families! 👻

Get ready for a hauntingly good time with these family-friendly Halloween events in Derbyshire! From eerie castles to thrilling hayrides, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive in:

Escape into autumn at Hardwick Hall

Date: October 21st – November 5th, 2023
Address: Doe Lea, Chesterfield S44 5QJ
Website: nationaltrust.org.uk/hardwick-hall

Crunch through golden leaves, splash in muddy puddles and escape into autumn at Hardwick Hall! Venture though the vibrant estate on our free Family Pond Walk creating journey sticks as you explore.

Pickup a Spotter Sheet from Visitor Reception and become a leaf detective or bark artist. Don’t forget to leave your mark and attach your favourite foliage to our leaf bunting around the estate. 

Prepare for a hair-raising experience at Hardwick Hall’s Haunted Hallows event. This historic site comes alive with ghosts and ghouls, offering a special Halloween treat for families. Explore the eerie hallways, solve riddles, and soak in the spine-tingling atmosphere. Admission is £15 for adults and £7.50 for children, ensuring a memorable and affordable Halloween outing and that’s why it makes our what’s on in Derbyshire In October list . Read our review of Hardwick Hall for kids.

Crich Tramway Museum

Immerse yourself in a captivating half-term extravaganza. Prepare for a spook-tacular experience with the Ghostly Family Theatre Show presented by the talented Notice Theatre Company. Watch as the little ones transform with daily face painting sessions and unleash their creativity with crafts. Be enchanted by the charming puppet shows, and enjoy enthralling stories on a tram every Wednesday to Friday. Avail the fantastic family ticket at £49.50, which not only grants you access to this spectacular event but also includes complimentary return visits!

Alton Towers Scarefest

  • 📅 Date: October 6th – 31st, 2023
  • 📍 Address: Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB
  • 💻 Website: altontowers.com

For families seeking a thrilling Halloween experience, Alton Towers Scarefest is the place to be! This renowned theme park transforms into a spine-tingling adventure zone featuring rides in the dark and mysterious mazes. Prices start from £34 per person, promising a heart-pounding adventure for all in thisWhat’s on in Derbyshire In October.

Bolsover Castle: Halloween Unearthed

Embark on a journey through the secrets of Bolsover Castle after dark for some Halloween happenings. They offer an immersive Halloween experience with haunted halls, encounters with historical characters, and creepy crafts. Admission is £13.50 for adults and £8.10 for children, ensuring an educational and spooky adventure listing for our What’s on in Derbyshire In October 2023.

Ghost Walks in Derby

  • 📅 Various Dates in October 2023
  • 📍 Address: Starts at Derby Cathedral, 18-19 Iron Gate, Derby DE1 3GP
  • 💻 Website: derbycathedralquarter.co.uk

Join a guided ghost walk through the historic streets of Derby. Led by experienced storytellers, you’ll be enthralled by chilling tales of the city’s past. This family-friendly activity offers an insightful and slightly spooky experience for some scares. Tickets are £8 for adults and £4 for children, making it an affordable adventure.

Bluebell Dairy

  • 📅 Halloween Festival from October 14th to 15th, 21st to 22nd, and from the 28th to the 31st of October 2023
  • 📍 Address: Brunswood Farm, Locko Road, Derby. DE21 7AR
  • 💻 Website: Bluebell Dairy Halloween Spooktacular

Bluebell Dairy in Derby is hosting a spooktacular Halloween Festival Get ready for an epic pumpkin picking adventure with a vast array of pumpkins, a thrilling Halloween trail, and daily eerie shows. The festivity continues with a myriad of creepy activities, including a Pumpkin Village boasting numerous selfie-worthy spots, a bewitching Witch’s Potion Class, a Trick or Treat Training Show, a fascinating peek into The Secret Life of Bugs, a Scarecrow Maize Maze, Piggy Apple bobbing, a Spooky Sheep race, and a hauntingly fun ghoulish play barn. And the amazing Halloween Ice Scream flavors and all the usual farm fun will also be in full swing. Tickets are limited and available for online booking.

Chatsworth Farmyard

Prepare for a spine-tingling experience like no other. Delve into a range of eerie Halloween-themed activities, including a visit to Chatsworth’s very own pumpkin patch, where you can handpick your chosen pumpkin to carve and decorate. Unleash your inner artist with Halloween-themed face painting and create spooky crafts that will send shivers down your spine. For the brave souls, embark on a mysterious journey with the spine-chilling tractor and trailer ride (please note, a small additional charge applies for tractor rides and pumpkins; all other activities are included in the admission price). Activities will be running throughout the day, so be sure to check the noticeboard upon arrival for specific timings. And fear not, all your favorite daily activities, such as animal feeding and milking demonstrations, will continue as usual.

Halloween Spooktacular at Gulliver’s Kingdom

  • 📅 Date: October 21st – 31st, 2023
  • 📍 Address: Temple Walk, Matlock Bath, Matlock DE4 3PG
  • 💻 Website: gulliverskingdomresort.co.uk

Gulliver’s Kingdom transforms into a spooky wonderland for Halloween. Families can enjoy rides, entertainment, and even a special Halloween show. Tickets start from £19 per person, promising a day of thrilling fun. Read our review of Gulliver’s Kingdom Matlock.

Haunted Hayride at Shipley Country Park

  • 📅 Date: We haven’t seen this confirmed this year so keep an eye on the FB Page
  • 📍 Address: Heanor, Derbyshire, DE75 7GX
  • 💻 Website: Facebook Page Shipley Country Park

Experience a spine-chilling hayride through Shipley Country Park. Keep an eye out for ghosts and ghouls along the way! Tickets are £8 per person, ensuring a budget-friendly Halloween adventure.

Halloween at Conkers

  • 📍 Location: Rawdon Road, Moira, Swadlincote, DE12 6GA
  • 💡 Description: Conkers offers a spine-tingling Haunted Maze, captivating storytelling sessions, and a lantern parade for family fun. It’s a day of immersive experiences that will leave children wide-eyed with wonder. Prices vary, ensuring families enjoy a day off without breaking the bank which is amazing so its on our what’s on in Derbyshire in October list!
  • 💻 Website: https://www.visitconkers.com/events/all-events/
kids in a wheel barrow on a pumkin patch at whats on in derbyshire october event

Peak Village

  • 📅 Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October 2023
  • 📍 Address: Chatsworth Rd, Rowsley, Matlock DE4 2JE
  • 💻 Website: Peak Village Website

Transform into your favorite spooky character with our expert spooky face painting, make-up, and hair special effects. Best of all, this event is entirely FREE, and we also offer complimentary parking for your convenience. Don’t miss out on this spook-tacular occasion!

Thornbridge Hall

  • 📅 From October 21st to November 5th, 2023
  • 📍 Address: THORNBRIDGE HALL, BASLOW ROAD, ASHFORD-IN-THE WATER, DERBYSHIRE
  • 💻 Website: Thornbridge Hall Website

Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween Half Term at Thornbridge packed with thrilling activities. Kids can don their finest costumes, follow the Halloween trail, savor some creepy cuisine, and get creative with pumpkin carving. On October 28th and 29th, there’s also the chance to explore the pumpkin patch and join in Lego Printing workshops (additional charge, booking essential). Garden entry is included in the ticket price, with workshops and the pumpkin patch requiring an extra fee. Gain access to the garden trail and other kids’ activities with standard garden entry tickets. For an all-day family adventure, the garden access family ticket is £18, with a fantastic 20% discount available when booking in advance. Don’t miss out on this spine-tingling experience! Read our review of our visit to Thornbridge Hall.

Renishaw Hall

  • 📅 On the weekend of Saturday, October 28th, and Sunday, October 29th, 2023
  • 📍 Address: Chatsworth Rd, Rowsley, Matlock DE4 2JE
  • 💻 Website: Renishaw Hall Website

Unearth frightful family fun at Renishaw Hall’s Halloween Trail! Embark on a thrilling quest in the picturesque gardens. Engage in solving a pumpkin puzzle that leads to a delectable surprise waiting for all successful sleuths at the Visitor’s Centre. Additionally, be captivated by the captivating re-enactments of historical battles by The Swords of Mercia Society, adding an extra layer of excitement to the Halloweekend festivities. Secure your family’s adventure with a ticket priced at £22.50. Prepare for a day of spooktacular exploration for this what’s on in Derbyshire in October list!

Matlock Illuminations and Fireworks

Wrap up warm and head to Derwent Gardens for a spectacular display of illuminations and fireworks. It’s a magical experience for the whole family.

Derbyshire is bursting with spooktacular fun for families this Halloween! Embrace the spirit of the season and create lasting memories with these delightful and safe activities. Happy Halloween! 🎃👻 #DerbyshireHalloweenFun #FamilyAdventures

Halloween Trail, Elvaston Castle

  • 📅 Tuesday 31st October 2023, 10.30am-3.30pm
  • 📍 Address: Borrowash Road, Elvaston, Derbyshire DE72 3EP
  • 💻 Website: Facebook Site Elvaston Castle

Embark on the eerie trail to claim your well-deserved certificate, then make your way to the courtyards where the pumpkin parlour awaits. Here, you can unleash your creativity and carve your own spooky pumpkin to bring home! Feel free to don your favorite costume for an extra touch of spookiness. The trail sheets are available for just £2 each, while prices for pumpkins and other activities may vary. Entry to Elvaston is absolutely free, but do keep in mind that car park charges do apply. No need for prior reservations; simply show up whenever it suits you for this what’s on in Derbyshire in October listing!

🎃 Pumpkin Patches in Derbyshire 2023 🎃

For pumpkin-loving families! It’s that time of year again, and Derbyshire is bursting with pumpkin patches just waiting to be explored. Here are some fantastic options for a fun-filled day of pumpkin picking:


Ashover Pumpkins

📍 Eastwood Lane, Ashover, Chesterfield, S45 0BD, 
1st to the 31st of October 2023

This October, Ashover Pumpkins has over 40,000 pumpkins ready for cooking or carving! You can visit any day from the 1st to the 31st of October between 10 am and 4 pm. No need to book, and guess what? No parking fee and free admission! Plus, on weekends and during half term, you can grab some delicious burgers and hot drinks. Check out their website for more details.

Stretton Hall Pumpkins

📍 Stretton Hall Farm, Newmarket Ln, Clay Cross S45 9AP

Stay tuned for exciting details about Stretton Hall Pumpkins! In the meantime, satisfy your pumpkin cravings with their newly released pumpkin spice latte. Keep an eye on their farm shop for updates.

Mr Pumpkin

📍 Lime Farm, Mansfield Road, Morley, Derby, DE7 6JU

General admission tickets go on sale from August 28th 2023

Mr Pumpkin has outdone themselves this year with nearly 90,000 pumpkins in over 40 different varieties! From orange to white, star-shaped to giant, they’ve got it all. Don’t forget to grab a trail sheet for some extra pumpkin-themed fun. And for the kids, there’s teacups, bungees, and even a bouncy castle! For refreshments, head over to Oakfield Farm nearby. General admission tickets go on sale from August 28th, so mark your calendars for this listing of What’s on in Derbyshire In October 2023!

Village Pumpkins

📍 Johnnygate Ln, Barlow, Dronfield S18 7SE

Open every weekend in October and daily from the 16th to the 31st, 2023

Looking for a charming pumpkin patch near the Peak District? Village Pumpkins in Barlow is your spot! Open every weekend in October and daily from the 16th to the 31st, this patch offers a picturesque backdrop with poppy flowers. Admission is free; you only pay for the pumpkins you choose. Remember to bring wellies and waterproofs, especially towards the end of the month. Grab a wheelbarrow and start your pumpkin quest – the selection process is an art in itself! Don’t forget to snap some pics with the giant pumpkin chair and vintage tractor. And say hello to the resident chickens and barnyard animals. After picking, treat yourself to some pumpkin-themed delights like hot chocolate, pumpkin pie cake, or pumpkin soup!

Matlock Park Farm at Matlock Farm Park

📍 Matlock Farm Park, Jaggers Lane, Matlock DE4 5LH

21st to the 31st October 2023

Looking for an all-encompassing family adventure this October Half Term? Matlock Farm Park is the place to be! Follow the enchanting woodland trail with Halloween-themed scenes – no scares, just pure fun for the little ones. Keep an eye out for live characters and farm animals along the way. And of course, the Pumpkin Patch is a must-visit. Let your kids choose their own pumpkins and then either carve them on-site or take them home for later. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for special appearances by Witch Wendolyn!

Get ready for a month of pumpkin-filled adventures, dear parents! Which patch are you most excited to visit? 🎃🍂 #PumpkinPickingFun #FamilyAdventures. A great event to end on for our What’s on in Derbyshire In October list.

Website: matlockfarmpark.co.uk


If you want to check out our pumpkin patches within an hours drive read our Pumpkin Patches 2023 to find out. With the weather getting colder and wetter make sure you check out our Top 8 Soft Plays In Chesterfield and best pubs with play areas for little ones in Chesterfield.

Missed any upcoming events listings that should be on our list? Email abbie@mmbmagazine.co.uk to add listings. As always please check with the organiser to confirm dates, times and costs we try our best to get you the right information on listings for What’s on in Derbyshire for kids this October but information can change.

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# What’s on in Derbyshire In October 2023 for kids

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